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Bakaa Clan — History & Meaning
Tswana clan · Setswana
Totem Not reliably documented in the sources consulted; commonly grouped with Kwena/Barolong-derived totems but I do not have a confirmed totem animal for the Bakaa.
History & origin
The Bakaa are an offshoot of the Barolong (one of the oldest Sotho-Tswana 'mother' groups) and claim descent, with the Bakgatla, Bakgwatlheng and others, from the ancient ruler Masilo. Tradition explains the name: around the 15th century a small group split off and travelled northwest into present-day Botswana, prompting the remaining Barolong to say 'Ba ka ya' ('they can depart/go'), from which the breakaway group became known as the Bakaa. They became an established Tswana group in eastern/central Botswana.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Barolong (parent group).
We publish the full diboko (clan praises) only once we can verify them against documented tradition — for this clan they are still being confirmed. If you can share an authoritative version, corrections are warmly welcomed.